Oswego Common Council amends taxi law

Oswego, NY-- The Oswego Common Council voted unanimously Monday night to amend a city taxi law passed last September that had drawn criticism and a lawsuit.

Local Law No. 1 amends the city's law on taxicabs, and who can drive them. The law originally required disclosure of arrests not leading to a conviction, and essentially barred people with felony convictions from driving taxis.

The amendment eliminated those requirements and restrictions, bringing the law in line with state anti-discrimination laws.

Council president Ronald Kaplewicz said the council implemented recommendations made by the New York State Attorney General's office to bring the local law in line with state statutes.

"So we made those changes tonight," he said. "The law is now consistent with state statute."

Kaplewicz said the council's intent of the original law was to avoid putting people at risk and to maintain a safe environment for community members. The new law is not discriminatory and will not open the city up to lawsuits, he said.

Only one person spoke at Monday's meeting, Kaplewicz said, and that person was in favor of the amendment.